VTPL 2025-2026 YHBA Picture Book Nominees

"Bug wants to share his snack with Trilobite, but Trilobite ONLY likes noodles ... until he takes a taste and discovers how one tiny bite can lead to many big bites!"--

One day, down by the pond, Simon meets another dog just like him. And that dog has a bone just like his, only better! How will Simon ever get him to trade, when the other pup knows all the same tricks? Using the same innovative format as his Caldecott Honor winner, Mel Fell, Corey R. Tabor reimagines Aesop's "The Dog and His Reflection" in a clever, charming tale of empathy and generosity.

It is pool day in the city and everyone is welcome.

"It was the first day of school. But even the kindergartners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong...Where was the teacher? And who left this sandwich on the desk? The only clue, written neatly on the chalkboard, was the name: Mr. S"--

Junior may not be as big or strong as his famous cousin Kong, but when his beloved cat gets stuck in a tree, Junior conquers his fear of heights and saves the day.

Peanut butter sandwiches for everyone! And, according to the recipe, it will only take 1, 2, 3...17 steps.

"Humans wanted to soar through the sky, and we did. We wanted to go to the moon, and we did. Then we set our sights on a little red planet, so far out we couldn't go ourselves. Instead, we sent a friend. We named her Opportunity because it means 'a good chance' and feels like hope. With nine eyes, three ears, one arm, and six wheels, Oppy explored the mysterious terrain of Mars, gathering samples, snapping photos, and discovering vast craters. Everywhere...

"Furry, feathered, and scaled - all our animal friends are ready to read. But there's just one big problem: Giraffe is too tall! (Or, rather, the book is too short.) Come along for a special story time featuring six friendly animals and one puzzling predicament" --

"Barbara Hendricks, a tortoise, has entered a road race, but what was she thinking? With only a week to go before the big day, she worries that she doesn't stand a chance against the other animals competing. Barbara's friend and owner, Lorraine, inspires her to train a little bit more each day and coaxes her out of her shell when the race day arrives. How intimidating to line up next to the slow loris, the snail, the sloth, and the walrus! But Barbara...

Acorn is the first one off the tree, longing for adventure and new experiences (though maybe not being eaten), but when a squirrel buries Acorn he is forced to stay still in the dark until the exciting changes begin, and he grows into a mighty oak--though at heart he is still a little wild.